Golden Cromwell - Xinlei Liu

Cromwell is one of the country's most authentic and significant settlements from the gold mining days. In 1862 two miners discovered gold, which is just a few Kilometres down the Clutha from the junction of the two rivers. This was the find that started the Otago Gold Rush and turned a tiny settlement into a township of thousands people in Cromwell. Unlike many of Central Otago's gold mining townships, when the gold ran out Cromwell still survived, and it is becoming an extensive farming and fruit growing area. Cromwell is in the heart of Central Otago and as a hub of three major gorges, and it serviced as the key service centre of whole Otago region, so "Cromwell-Central to Everywhere" is used to encapsulate and provide an image for the town. Cromwell has a very diverse history and culture of its gold mining and horticulture. This town could be a place where people appreciate how past and present have merged. The design is aim to develop and encourage various activities and events which promote the area to the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

Vision: The design will aim to transform Cromwell into an tourist destination, and to refocus on the town centre back to the water by highlighting cultural characters and values of gold mining history of Cromwell. The township will look to provide recreational connections, active public spaces, products and services to cater Cromwell for an attractive and desirable place in which to live and visit.